The $0 Storage You Can Get From Your Local Costco (It’s Genius)

I love an excuse to go on a Costco run. I’m always game for wandering the aisles to see what’s new, but I especially love finding a clever Costco perk I didn’t know existed. So when I saw another Costco fan talking about a $0 storage hack hiding in plain sight, I knew I had to know more.

I make a monthly trip to Costco to stock up on paper towels, toilet paper, and sparkling water. Even as a household of one, I find most Costco products affordable. Costco is also where I got a really cute, useful set of Pyrex mixing bowls and a multipack of Nordic Ware baking sheets that I use every day.

But one of Costco’s most useful storage finds costs nothing.

How To Get Free Buckets at Costco

I learned from one Instagram user that empty buckets from the Costco bakery may be available for free. The bakery uses the large buckets to hold icing, and you can ask if any empty ones are available.

The buckets may still have some icing residue inside, but it’s easy to clean up with a wash. They have snap-top lids and handles, and according to the Instagram user, they hold about 2 1/2 gallons.

I love that these buckets are food-safe, so you can use them to store bulk flour, old-fashioned oats, sugar, or other pantry staples you buy in large quantities.

As a bread baker, I think these are an excellent way to bulk ferment a large batch of sourdough, especially around the holidays, when I’m baking many loaves to give to friends and neighbors as gifts.

How To Get Free Buckets Beyond Costco

When I worked at Whole Foods, I regularly held empty boxes in the back for customers to pick up on Wednesdays after new inventory arrived. The boxes were perfect for moving or organizing.

Many grocery stores with bakeries likely have similar containers available for customers who ask. Since many of these items are recycled or thrown out, it makes sense to give them to people who can find another use for them.

Before I buy storage buckets, I’m going to ask my local Costco if it has any to spare. With a little effort, I might get all the storage I need for the low, low price of zero dollars.

Read the original article on Simply Recipes